Phuket Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts

Accommodation options in Phuket are nearly endless. From towering beach resorts, to mid-range hotels, and even budget options, this island is jam packed with places for tourists to call their temporary home.

Being such a huge destination, Phuket’s prices on accommodation are naturally quite high. If you don’t book your hotel before arrival, you might find yourself in a panic searching for an affordable option. Rest assured, with knowledge on where to look, you’ll be able to find an affordable bed.

On the other hand, some travellers coming to Phuket are looking to splurge on their beach holiday. If that’s the case, you’re in luck. There’s absolutely no shortage of luxurious hotels lining the beaches.

Budget

If you’re looking for budget accommodation options without sacrificing location, head toward Patong Beach, but don’t get too close. Right along the shore, you’ll mainly find resorts and high prices. A bit further away, though, you can book budget accommodation within a walk or short taxi ride to the sand.

Lupta Hostel is a great pick if you’re looking for a backpacker scene near Patong. It’s even surprisingly close to the beach. With clean, simple rooms and a modern communal area, this hostel is a great option if you’re on a budget. There’s also a well-stocked, shared kitchen if you want to save even more money by eating in. We found an online booking deal for Lupta at THB490 per night in an 8-bed, mixed dorm with air conditioning. (138 taweewong Rd.)

A similar option is Kool Backpacker Hostel, which also offers clean accommodation, although not quite as modern as Lupta. The dorms and common areas are simple and slightly sparse, but the price is great, given the location. You’ll be just 10 minutes walking to Patong Beach, and Kool offers free wifi throughout the building. Come here to meet likeminded travelers, and enjoy Patong’s party scene, if that’s what you’re after. (31 Bangla Rd)

Other budget accommodation options are scattered throughout Phuket. For quieter rooms, we suggest checking out Phuket Town. Often overlooked due to its lack of immediate tourist beach access, this part of the island has local flair, cheap food, and budget accommodations on offer.

Sleep Sheep Phuket Hostel has both private and dorm rooms at reasonable prices. Accommodations are basic, bright, and cheap. Double rooms with en suite, private bathrooms run THB660 per night, which is excellent value. The rooms have free wifi, TV, and air conditioning to top it off. You won’t be close to Phuket’s major beaches, but you will have access via tuk-tuks and taxis. For a quieter, more local experience, this hostel ticks all the boxes. (243 Talang Rd.)

Also in Phuket Town, Ai Phuket Hostel draws in tons of budget minded backpackers all year long. Prices are even cheaper here, at THB350 for a double room with shared bathroom. The furnishings and decorations aren’t much to talk about, but convenient amenities make up for that. Air conditioning, free wifi, and cable TV make evenings enjoyable, and the cheap price is undeniably alluring. If you’re willing to make the hike out to one of Phuket’s nearby beaches, Ai Phuket Hostel will make a wonderfully convenient base. (88 Yaowarat Road)

Mid-range

Mid-range hotel options are even more common throughout Phuket’s beach areas. Our favourite location to look for flashpacker-type hotels is near Kata and Karon Beaches. Staying here will give you the luxury of a large, beautiful stretch of beach, but without all the hype that surrounds Patong.

Cool Breeze Bungalows are just a stone’s throw from the beach and offer surprisingly affordable prices for their location. The downfall is the difficult walk up the hill to get there, but we don’t see that as a deal breaker. Cool Breeze is clean and sufficient, but it’s also rather dated. Of course, being so close to the beach, you probably won’t be spending much time indoors anyways.

Rooms come with basics like mini fridges and TVs. There’s also a restaurant close by, which is a convenient perk. In the high season, basic rooms with private bathrooms cost THB900. Add THB400 per night if you want air conditioning, which we highly recommend.

Another Kata Beach option is Fin Hostel. Unlike some of the cheaper hostels on the island, this one is a bit more upscale, at least in their private room offerings. Even the dorm rooms are fresh and clean, though. Common areas and a downstairs coffee shop make this hostel even more appealing. Come here and book a private room, complete with an en suite bathroom, private terrace, TV, air conditioning, and wifi. Stay to enjoy the community atmosphere and several minute’s walk to the beach. Private rooms cost THB2500.

Top end

It’s tough to escape luxury when you’re in Phuket. Not because you can’t get away from it, but because it’s so enticing, you might find it hard to resist. If you’re one of those travellers who can’t help but go all out from time to time, this island is the perfect place to do just that.

Right next to Bang Tao Beach is Banyan Tree Phuket. The chic architecture is hard to miss, and the interior is made to match. This resort offers a perfect location, combined with excellent dining options and a full service spa. Instead of hotel rooms, you’ll be staying in villas, all with easy pool access. We can’t say enough good things about Banyan Tree. The price is steep, but the conveniences, services, and amenities all provide an extremely comfortable and enjoyable stay. THB12860 includes breakfast. (33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road)

A cheaper, albeit still luxurious, option is Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. For the price, we might even prefer this hotel to Banyan Tree. Le Meridien has its own private beach in Karon, which makes finding a spot in the sand quick and easy. The sheer size of this resort will leave you in awe. While we don’t always think bigger is better, when it comes to Le Meridien, you’ll have access to huge swimming pools, 10 restaurant and bar options, and some excellent entertainment. This is the kind of resort you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to; they offer everything you could need for a relaxing stay away from it all. A double room with upscale amenities costs about THB4280. (29 Soi Karon Nui)